Share this article

FC-1 Xiaolong's full name is 'Fighter China-1 Fierce Dragon'. The jet is known in Pakistan as the JK-17 Thunder, or 'Joint Fighter-17 Thunder'.

The new model took the maiden flight at an air base in Chengdu, south-west China, this morning local time. The aircraft is said to be a dedicated trainer jet.

The news came one day after China launched its first ever self-built aircraft carrier in the port city of Dalian.

The improved version of FC-1 Xiaolong is designed to serve the purposes of 'real-life combating and teaching', according to CCTV.

The report also claimed that the model is one of the fighter jets that have the highest price-performance ratio in the world, and that it has 'a long visual range, excellent air-to-air combat abilities and great air-to-ground striking power'.

It's reported to be China's third generation two-seat fighter jet.

The newly unveiled fighter jet is taxiing at an air base in Chengdu during its first flight

The aircraft is said to have excellent air-to-air and air-to-ground combat abilities

The new version has two seats and is an upgrade from the original single-seat FC-1 Xiaolong